The team announced it had shipped the outfielder to the Pirates for cash considerations. The move comes after the impending acquisition of J.D. Martinez cut the likelihood of Brentz making the final 25-roster down significantly.

Brentz had been identified by Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski back in November as the leading candidate to fill the Red Sox' fourth outfield spot, which had been held by Chris Young over the past two seasons. Young recently signed a one-year deal with the Angels.